A comparison of the properties of hyaluronic acid from normal and pathological human synovial fluids

An empirical correction for the effect of albumin on the sedimentation of hyaluronic acid is obtained, and applied to the results obtained for human synovial fluids.3. The effect of albumin on the sedimentation of hyaluronic acid, when the latter is the slower component, is shown to be consistent with the 'McFarlane' (1935a, b) boundary anomaly.4. The effect of albumin on the sedimentation of hyaluronic acid and the reverse effect, in regions of the cell where both are present, have been investigated.The former is shown to be consistent in general with current theory.The latter effect requires special explanation, and the hypothesis is put forward that a large fraction of the hyaluronic acid particle is not penetrable by albumin.The author is most grateful to Dr A. G. Ogston for en- couragement